Pandora (1873) by Alexandre Cabanel

Alexandre Cabanel (1823–1889), French, A leading figure of 19th-century French academic painting, his work epitomized the refined elegance and technical precision celebrated by the Paris Salon. With a style steeped in classical ideals yet softened by Romantic sensibility, he became synonymous with lush, idealized figures—particularly his ethereal depictions of mythological and biblical women. *The Birth of Venus* (1863), perhaps his most famous piece, dazzled audiences with its flawless finish and sensuous languor, securing his reputation as a darling of the establishment. Critics later dismissed his work as overly polished or sentimental, but his influence was undeniable, shaping a generation of artists who aspired to Salon success. Beyond mythology, he excelled in portraiture, capturing aristocrats and intellectuals with a psychological subtlety that hinted beneath the surface glamour. His teaching at the École des Beaux-Arts further cemented his legacy; students like Henri Gervex carried forward his meticulous approach. Though overshadowed by the rise of Impressionism, Cabanel’s art remains a testament to the power of technical mastery—and the contradictions of an era clinging to beauty while the avant-garde stirred rebellion.